TOKYO (REUTERS, BLOOMBERG) – China and South Korea have consulted Japan about easing border controls on business travellers to help revive business activities, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday (May 17) without citing sources.

The idea, already implemented between South Korea and China, would allow a fast-track entry of business people if they test negative for the new coronavirus before departure and after arrival, the newspaper said.

But Tokyo is cautious about relaxing border controls at this point due to fears of another spike in infections, as well as a lack of test kits for travellers, according to the report.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Health ministers from the three countries met by video conference on Friday and agreed to share information, data and expertise on the infection in a transparent fashion, according to Japan’s health ministry.  

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday lifted his state of emergency for 39 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, easing curbs on 54 per cent of the population.

The greater Tokyo area, accounting for one-third of the nation’s economy, and other major cities remain under restrictions.

Japan has reported some 16,300 cases of the coronavirus, not counting infections on a cruise ship that was quarantined in Yokohama port early this year, and 748 deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, according to public broadcaster NHK.

While Japan has avoided the kind of explosive outbreaks seen in the United States and elsewhere, its testing has also been among the lowest.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters Friday that Japan needs to bring the outbreak under control domestically and examine the situation in other countries before considering relaxing border restrictions.

 “Some countries are seeing a second wave,” Motegi told reporters, according to the ministry website.

“We want to take into account the infection situation in the other country, as well as various other information, in considering what approach we can take to movement.” 

When Japan does begin to open its borders, business people and experts will be prioritized, while tourism and other ordinary travel will come much later, Motegi said. 

Japan is also thinking of dividing countries into groups of 10 for travel approval, and hopes to coordinate mutual access at the same time, he said.

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